7 Essential Gifts for Beer Drinkers

We love beer as much as the next lush, but some people take their passion for the nectar of the Gods to a whole ‘nother level. Some may call them conossiuers, others might call them snobs. Either way, a simple coozie, hat, keychain, or t-shirt with their favorite beer logo on it ain’t gonna cut it, broham. So, if your bud’s finicky about his Bud, we’ve got a list of seven essential items that’ll drown his sorrows faster than Big Ben after getting shot down in a bar bathroom.

initiating the gallery...

Free Up Your Fingers With The SoftStep Foot Controller

Have you ever been in the middle of using your computer, only to wish that you could operate it hands-free? Do you DJ or want to learn how? Then check out what the mad scientists at Keith McMillen have created: a foot-controller that opens up a bunch of possibilities. At its most basic, the Softstep is essentially a keyboard for your feet; but when used properly, it gives you access to two more hands. I’m not going to guess what you’re going to do with those new hands, but I can tell you why this peripheral is one you should peep.

The SoftStep is a foot-controlled digital interface to use with computers; think of it as multi-touch for your feet. It can be programmed to take over for anything your mouse or keyboard does on a Mac or PC. Let your feet do the things your hands don’t need to — whether that’s moving the mouse, opening a folder, or activating any of a number of specific commands in any program.

Tapping 10 dual-color, illuminated pressure-sensitive keys and a direction pad makes for faster access and gives your wrists a break. Power comes from the USB cable , so there’s no batteries to worry about either.

If you’re a player (of music, that is), then this bad boy will help give you a leg up. Once connected to a MIDI hardware (using the optional MIDI expander), your taps take over for commands that have been downloaded into its memory. Then you tap for effects with music or interface with hardware to direct lighting effects or pyrotechnics on the stage — it’s up to you. Each key controls up to 6 “messages” or signals so you’ve plenty to work with.

Besides being carbon fiber and graphite tough, the skin’s even waterproof, so the lights won’t go out just ‘cause some beer gets spilled. The days of those heavy push button pedals are dead, Jack.

CLICK HERE TO BUY

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Are Fanny Wangs Better Than Beats by Dre?

There’s three things a good pair of headphones better do: seal off the outside; have a dynamic range (i.e. make your stolen MP3s sound like crap); and fit well enough so that you can wear them for hours. Courtesy of good padding, custom paired titanium plated drivers, a 10Hz-20 kHz range and sensible adjustment methods, these Fanny Wang on-ear headphones do it all.

They deserve attention because of the way they sound and look, not because of a rapper’s name. If you’re taking these out of the home or studio, you can fold these beat beasts in half, courtesy of the aluminum hinges located on either side.

All that’s left to do is place them in the included case and you’re good to go. Another nice feature allows your friends to simultaneously listen to your music by plugging into the extra jack, conveniently located on the removable audio cord.

Want to attract more attention? Then get the ones in red, instead of black with red trim. Personally, I’m staying away from the pink one.

Some of you might think that they look somewhat similar to another high-end quality headphone, and you know what? You’re right. In fact, Monster Cable sued Fanny Wang for copyright infringement. That situation has nothing to do with you, though. What does concern you is that the Fanny Wang’s sound is much more natural while the Beats have a much heavier bass (sometimes getting in the way of the actual song). The Fanny’s are also retailing for considerably less. You can watch a full comparison of the two below.

BUY THEM HERE ($150)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Watch Your Throne With the iZON Remote Room Monitor

Given up trying to watch a webcam from your iPhone? That’s probably because getting a camera to sync with your wireless network is nothing but a pain in the butt, unless you have the iZON. This white, wireless color-cam is the hands-down easiest webcam to view from your smart-phone or tablet.

Set up is really simple: Stand iZON on its magnetic base and angle the lens at what you want it to see. Plug the power-cord into its back and then download the app to your phone. Set up a free account, find the network created by your iZON, and connect to it. Boo-ya, you’ve got an eye in the sky.

5 minutes later you flick the icon at the bottom of the app and there’s the live video feed. Look and listen with about a 20 second delay for the streaming video — so if you’ve activated the built-in motion detector or set up the automated alerts, make sure it takes the intruder at least a minute to reach you so he can say hello to your “little friend”…just joking but you’ll have time to barricade the door and get the hell out. And if you’re not home, call 911.

Of course you can use iZON for more… mundane pursuits since it doesn’t stand out. All in all, the camera is about the height of a paperback book and the width of a fat thumb drive. While relocating it somewhere else takes a few minutes for it to reset itself (it needs to restart the wireless network), you don’t have to do anything but wait. If you want to add more iZONs, go ahead – the App will handle it just fine.

Once you’ve got this little sucker, all kinds of uses will pop into your head. Especially since you can record what it sees to a private YouTube account.

CLICK HERE TO BUY (129.95/ ea)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

When It Comes To Secure File Sharing, It’s iTwin or Lose [TECH]

You want to be able to access your files from anywhere in the world, but leaving them up in the clouds means that your files are capable of being accessed anywhere (by anyone) in the world. Sending them via email means the same thing. The only way you can keep your files safe is by actually keeping them on the computer until you need them. Enter the iTwins. These guys will make sure that only one person (you) can access whatever files you need from wherever you need them from. Check out our review below.

Each of these iTwin drives look like they’re USB flash drives, but they actually have no memory inside. Instead there’s hard-core encryption tech. You plug one of the two (they pull apart from each other) into your Mac or PC’s USB port and the other into the other computer you want to communicate with. That’s it. Now you just transfer files from one to the other using WiFi and the Internet like it was nothing — there’s no size limits because the two iTwins aren’t thumb drives, remember? What you send is YOUR business, not some government spook’s.

Since iTwin configures itself when plugged in, there’s really nothing to do. Okay you can set a password if you want, but there’s not much reason to do that unless you don’t trust who’s running the iTwin on the other end. And for the truly paranoid, you can disable a lost iTwin, too. Doesn’t that cover all the bases?

CLICK HERE TO BUY ($99)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Control The Party’s Playlist From Your Pocket With Kanex AirBlue [TECH]

So you walk into the party and right from the get-go you realize that the tunes playing are total crap. You’ve got better stuff on your smartphone, but there’s no way you’re going to search for an audio cable to plug into the headphone jack or start messing with the guy’s stereo or some pair of powered speakers. That’s where the Kanex AirBlue comes in: first because it’s smaller than a hockey puck, but shaped like one and runs off rechargeable USB power, and second, because it’s got streaming Bluetooth-tech built-in.

Just have the host (who should have known better than to play that junk) plug the AirBlue into his amp’s “Aux” jack or the speaker’s audio mini-jack input. You’ll pair the AirBlue with your phone using a couple of taps, then take care of the rest like you were just listening with earbuds. If you feel like sharing the proverbial DJ booth, seven others can hop in – allowing you to play musical chairs with the playlists. When it’s time to leave, pull AirBlue out and stick it back in your pocket in case you’re planning to use it in the car or, if you got lucky, forget about it — it’s cheap enough to buy another.

CLICK HERE TO BUY AN AIRBLUE ($49 / AMAZON)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

One Sleeve To Protect Them All: G-Form’s Extreme iPad Sleeve [TECH]

What if your iPad falls off your desk? Worse yet, how ’bout if it dives face first onto a concrete floor? As if one of those nifty looking cases offer any real protection. If a case is supposed to protect, it’s got to do more than just be a pretty looking wrapper.

G-Form, the company that also sells those knee pads your mother loves so much, says they have you covered. Their Extreme Sleeve doesn’t look like it’s out to win any bullsh*t awards either. The company has a video [see below] that shows them dropping a bowling ball on the sleeve with an iPad inside. I did my own test with a $5 picture frame from Walgreen’s. Once it was stuck inside, I dropped it from a balcony of 20+ feet (or 6+ meters for our international audience). And yeah, I zipped the top closed since I’m not keen on clean-up duty.

Holding the sleeve parallel to the ground with the glass facing down, my friend gives me the nod and “whoops, I dropped my iPad” off it goes. Not the splat accompanied by the sound of broken glass, but a dull thud. I join my friend and off comes the tape near the dumpster. I upend the sleeve and instead of shards of glass, out plops the frame intact.

The only thing it's powerless against are Surf Ninjas

Why is this cool? Because stuff happens but the odds of you dropping your iPad (or any tablet) off a balcony are pretty remote. Getting roughed up in a knapsack or slipping out of your hands, sure. I hear that G-Form’s making a version that lets you access the screen while the rest is protected. Sounds good, but with your luck, you know which side will be face down when it falls (same as buttered toast, dig?).

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW ($59.95)

CHECK OUT THESE CRAZY IPHONE CASES…

Talk On Your Cell For Free With The OBi-110 Phone Adapter [TECH]

Want to talk on your phone without dollar signs flashing in your eyes? Then spend a few bucks and get an OBi, a great Voice Service bridge. Essentially, a Voice Service bridge connects your telephone to the internet while simultaneously cutting out your phone bill. All it requires is an Ethernet cable to jack into.

Start by putting the OBi (half the size of a paperback book) next to your router. Plug the included Ethernet cable into the Ethernet socket on the back and the other end into one of the Ethernet inputs on the router. Plug a landline telephone’s plug into the “Phone” socket on the back, too (it can be a cordless phone). The last step is to plug the power supply’s cord into an outlet for power.

Okay, let’s test this sucker out. The quick-start manual is worth keeping around because it gives you a test number to call. So punch the buttons on the phone like you normally would and call it. Listen to the voice on the other end picking it up. It might not seem a big whoopee, but keep in mind you’ve just placed a free call over the Internet using VoIP (voice over Internet protocol). But even more importantly, it doesn’t sound like crap with noise, hiss and interference.

So here’s the deal. You can call anybody, anywhere if they have one of these boxes. Or, if the OBiTALK is running on your PC or iPhone/Android phone (using Wi-Fi or 3G), you can use Google Voice. If you want to be reached directly on the box, just give them the static (never-changing, not the loud /obnoxious definition) phone number located on the bottom of the box.

There are other options as well. Possibly the coolest part is that you can access your OBi remotely via web browser. All you need to do is connect using your IP Address. You can also call into the OBi using your regular phone, and then have the call forwarded through (making long-distance charges cheaper / non-existent). Finally, you can have the OBi act as your personal secretary by having it forward calls towards your cell phone (after which you can accept or deny the call).

OBi has three things going for it:

• No subscription charges once you’ve bought it (You’re paying for the Internet service but that’s for porn anyway, right?)
• You don’t have to coordinate the call like you do when using VoIP
• The quality is good, really good

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE OBI110 (Amazon $49.99)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

TimeCommand Shows All Other iDocks What Time It Is [TECH]

Most of those iPod/iPhone speaker docks are carbon copies of each other with some smoke and mirrors to make you think they’re the one to buy. The TimeCommand actually has something going for it that other docks don’t. First, what you could have figured out yourself:

The nicely designed oval shape holds an iPad as sensibly as an iPhone/iPod touch; courtesy of a pivoting dock connector. Sure you can jack a regular iPod into it, but then you couldn’t use the free alarm app with all the tech choices built-in. Info transfers back and forth between the app and the TC, so the two are always synced the same. The time and alarm are highlighted on its front in big bright LEDs (unless you’ve dimmed them).

Buttons riding the top to set the time, dual alarms and handle ongoing functions. They’re strategically placed just in front of the dock so you can smash it for a few extra minutes of napping when you’re told to rise and shine. The battery backup designed to keep the time/alarm kicks in, should the power cord come unplugged after you throw the alarm at the wall.

The feature that no other iDock alarm clock has is the lamp feature. You just plug the night table lamp into the receptacle on TimeCommand’s back. Now you got quick On/Off control over incandescence illumination. But it gets better because you can also dim that light.

What about sound? Its stereo, driven by reasonably good speakers. Better than most clock radios for starters. There’s also another app (Stern: Connect App) that you can use to fine-tune audio using a 5-band graphic equalizer with bass enhancements, ambient white noise, presets and Internet radio support.

CLICK HERE TO BUY (Amazon / $84.95)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Protect Your Smart Phone From The Elements With Eco Pod

When going on a potentially hazardous trip (not your in-laws, real danger), it’s important to have your cell phone with you. The issue that always comes up is that you’re nervous that your phone could accidentally fall in the water or crack open on a rock. That’s why you need the Eco Pod, a case that 100% encloses and protects your phone / mobile device from the elements.

A quick look reveals why the Eco Pod is so useful outdoors:

• Polycarbonate case with reinforced dual clamps that once closed, stay closed. It’s orange all around except for the front, which is clear.
• Waterproof, not water-resistant. The headphone jack is self-contained so you don’t need to worry about leaks anywhere.
• Pressure release valve for an airtight seal, but also for ease of opening at varying altitude.
• Volume control knob
• Detachable 2” carabiner clip
• Included waterproof headphones

The Eco Pod is even tougher than you when you’re blacked out. How do I know? Try dropping the case on the concrete from a couple of feet up. Nothing happens to what’s inside. Can you say the same if you fell face first? Try it. Sure, both you and the Eco Pod don’t feel anything – but you now have a concussion. The phone is fine.

Sure, if you sit in a chair all day there’ll never be no problems with your phone. Some of us bike, run and do other non-sedentary things and expect our devices to go along for the ride. It’s true that you’ll have to get used to carrying an extra pound but there’s room for stuff like credit cards, driver’s license, money and keys to keep your pockets free. So unless you also want to get used to paying for repairs or buying new phones because yours got smashed, you’ll get used to the Eco Pod real fast.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE ECO POD
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Audio-Technica’s ATH-ANC23 Headphones Bring The Noise… Cancellation

Headphones are supposed to let you listen without all the ‘blah blah’ that’s going on around you, but like hell you’re going to lug around one of those big-assed headphones that make you look like a geek on goofballs when wearing them.

The answer is noise-cancellation. Specifically ear buds that have microphones built-in like these Audio-Technica’s do. Those mics listen to what’s going on around you and then create a counter-sound that neutralizes the outside noise. You won’t mind sticking these in your ear either, because there’s three sets of interchangeable soft earpieces, so one will fit well.

With these, you do have to get used to the credit card-sized control that rides the audio cord — a bit bulky if you’re not used to it. The clothing clip will keep it from flapping around. The single “AAA” battery doesn’t add enough weight to make a difference and should last more hours than you can count. Even when it runs out of juice, the ‘buds will keep on working, just without the tech or volume control.

So what about the drivers in these ‘buds? I can’t say they’re the best of the best — they’re not priced like it — but the mids and highs were distinct and clear (tracks really show off stereo, btw). The bass wasn’t down to the basement but it was better than adequate. My biggest thumbs-up is that you can hear just how crappy low-res MP3s come off. That’s due to the 20-20,000 Hz range for those who care about such things — and you should.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE ATH-ANC23 ($54.99)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Create Your Own Dark Knight Surveillance System With J5Create’s Display Adapters

What’s sexier than having a big-assed computer monitor screen? Having 2 or even 3 of them, is what! Flat-panels are priced like they’re being given away — spend a couple hundred bucks to get a 16:9er with millions of colors and high-res. The issue used to be because a laptop or even desktop would limit you to one or two additional screens – not any more. J5Create’s JUA adapters uses USB connection to allow you to connect as many screens as you want to become the ultimate security guard (or that perv from Sliver).

Forget about complicated. This jazzy all-aluminum guy is way easier to set up than microwaving Mac ‘N Cheese. It looks sort of like a stretched out iPod Nano wannabe, except for the USB cable at one end and the VGA or DVI (depending on the model) socket at the other.

So you plug it into a USB port and plug a monitor into the socket. That’s it. Now you’ve added an up to 720p res screen to your Mac or PC and can make it part of an extended desktop or mirror what your main view is showing (on a PC you can even tilt from horizontal to vertical). Once you load the driver from the website, the computer’s display functions will handle the rest because the connector acts as an external video card.

I plugged in 2 of these guys and now have 4 monitors working on my Mac Pro. Heck, if I can get my wife to take an extended vacation, I’ll “steal” her 27” iMac and turn that into yet another screen. Now I really feel like one of those James Bond villains in his secret lair. On the cheap.

Keep in mind that the horsepower of your computer will determine how many of these adapters you can add, but short of a netbook, an additional 2 shouldn’t be an issue and up to 6 is something to shoot for. Especially since the adapter is way under $100 bucks.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE VGA DISPLAY ADAPTER (JUA210)

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE DVI DISPLAY ADAPTER (JUA230)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Top 5 Fap Free Zones

Sometimes, the feeling just creeps up on you. Whether it’s because you’re really stressed out, horny, or bored, a visit from Susie Redpalm and her Five Sisters can be beneficial. That same visit can also wind up extremely embarrassing if you’re caught. If you’re not too sure whether or not you’re in the clear to wrestle the one-eyed monster, check this list. It’s not comprehensive, but it’s a d*mn good start.

initiating the gallery...

Apps Of The Week: Back To School

College ain’t all about having fun, drinking beer and spending your parents’ money. Did you know that you can use apps for the iPhone to help you do things besides finding the local bar, blowing up pigs or talking on Facebook? Hard to believe, but true. Here are some apps you’ll probably want to have before stepping foot on-campus.

initiating the gallery...